Jesus prepares for a major section of teaching in His Sermon on the Mount by clarifying His relationship to the Scriptures. He has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. He will accomplish all that is written down to the smallest jot or tittle. Thus, none of Jesus’ disciples are free to relax God’s commandments in teaching or practice. Rather, Jesus calls His disciples to a righteousness that exceeds the righteousness that the Pharisees and scribes have. The righteousness of Jesus’ disciples is greater because it is of a different kind—it is the gift of God to them through faith in Jesus.

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 5:17-20.

To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracebrenham.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]